Collection: What Is A Travel Yoga Mat And Are They Any Good?
Everyone goes on the occasional trip, whether for business or for pleasure but that doesn't have to disrupt your yoga practise with a nice lightweight travel yoga mat.
Travel yoga mats are thin (less thick), portable, lightweight mats designed to be easy to roll up or fold up and take with you on your trip and to take up minimal room in your luggage.
Essential Qualities of A Travel Yoga Mat
lightweight and portable,
easy to fold taking up minimal room,
adequate cushioning
decent grip and stickiness
durable materials that are easy to clean
slip-resistant
eco-friendly (if possible).
A good travel yoga mat should be lightweight and portable, yet provide enough cushioning to keep your practice comfortable.
It should also offer good grip and stability so that you can stay grounded in your poses.
Look for a mat that is made of durable materials that are easy to clean, as well as slip-resistant for added safety.
If possible, opt for an eco-friendly option such as one made from natural rubber or cork.
Other features to consider when shopping around include the thickness of the mat and its texture – textured surfaces often help reduce slipping during sweaty practices.
Ultimately, choose the mat that offers the best combination of comfort, convenience, and sustainability for your needs. With a quality travel yoga mat in hand, you'll have everything you need to practice wherever the journey takes you.
What You Need to Know Before You Buy a Travel Yoga Mat
Before you hit the stores or shop online for a travel yoga mat, there are several important considerations to keep in mind.
1. SIZE
a travel mat should be lightweight and compact enough to fit easily into a bag or suitcase.
2. SUPPORT & CUSHIONING
It should also provide ample cushioning and stability for your body during regular workouts, so look for materials like EVA foam which provides good compression resistance and shock absorption.
3. DURABILITY
Durability is another key factor. Look for high-quality materials that will stand up to regular use over time, such as sturdy PVC synthetic leather. This kind of material not only gives you better traction but prevents the mat from stretching or tearing when it's rolled up tightly for transport.
4. EASE OF CARRY
Also consider whether a travel mat comes with any special features such as straps to make it easier to transport or an extra layer of cushioning for added comfort.
5. HOW WILL YOUR TRAVEL MAT BE USED
Finally, think about how often you'll use your yoga mat when traveling and what kind of environment you'll be practicing in. For example, if you plan on doing hot yoga while away from home, then you may want a travel mat designed specifically for those conditions that resists wear and tear better.
On the other hand, if you only use your mat occasionally during trips, a less expensive option might suffice.
Whichever route you take, making sure you have the right travel yoga mat for your needs will help ensure that each practice session is both comfortable and enjoyable.
How to Make Your Travel Yoga Mat More User-Friendly
CARRY STRAP: pick up a strap to make it easy to carry and to sling over your shoulder if necessary,
TOWEL OR BLANKET BENEATH: use a towel or blanket underneath to provide extra cushioning for the knees and elbows if you need that,
CLEAN: keep it clean so it lasts longer and doesn't smell as you travel,
GOOD QUALITY: buy a good quality mat that will last and won't look bad when you check-in.
One of the best ways to make your travel yoga mat more user-friendly is to use a carrying strap or bag. Many mats come with these, but if yours does not then you can easily purchase one from any sporting goods store.
A carrying strap can help keep your mat safe and secure while also allowing for easy transport. It also keeps your mat rolled up when stored away, which helps keep it in better condition over time.
Another great way to make your travel yoga mat more user-friendly is to find a high quality material that will last longer and provide better grip on slippery surfaces. Look for something sturdy such as rubber, PVC vinyl, jute or even nylon.
These materials are often used in standard studio mats and can be a great choice for those who travel. They are also lightweight and come in different thicknesses, allowing you to choose the one that is most comfortable for your particular yoga practice.
Finally, make sure to keep your mat clean and well cared for on trips. Sweat can accumulate quickly on a yoga mat so it’s important to wipe it down after each use or wash it with mild soap and warm water periodically.
Doing this will ensure that your mat remains in the best condition possible and makes it even easier to take along on all of your adventures.
The Pros And Cons of Travel Yoga Mats Discussed
Advantages
Disadvantages
1. flexibility & convenience,
2. enhanced durability,
3.mats are thinner, lighter and more compact.
can be lacking in comfort or support making some poses more difficult
may move around a little more during practise
can be uncomfortable on sensitive joints like knees and elbows
may be more expensive.
Advantages of Travel Yoga Mats
1. FLEXIBILITY:
A travel yoga mat is a great choice for those who love to practice on the go. Not only can you roll up your yoga mat and easily transport it, but there are also several other advantages that come with using these mats.
2. ENHANCED DURABILITY:
One of the main benefits of having a travel yoga mat is enhanced durability. They often feature higher-density foam or rubber which makes them more resistant to wear and tear than a traditional studio mat. This means they can stand up to abuse from frequent use and storage in standard luggage bags.
3. MATS ARE THINNER, LIGHTER & MORE COMPACT:
Travel mats also tend to be thinner than regular ones. Even if the surface isn't as thick, the material still absorbs shock effectively so that you can practice without risking discomfort or achy joints.
These mats are often lightweight and compact, making them ideal for yogis who are constantly on the move. They roll up tight so they don't take up too much room in your bag - perfect if you're heading to the gym or studio straight from work!
Overall, travel yoga mats provide an excellent combination of portability, durability and comfort - making them perfect for yoga enthusiasts that need something light to carry with them all day long.
Disadvantages of Travel Yoga Mats
Admittedly, travel yoga mats also have a few drawbacks.
can be lacking in comfort or support making some poses more difficult
They are not as supportive or comfortable as thicker and heavier mats, making it difficult for some yogis to maintain proper alignment in their poses.
may move around a little more during practise
These lightweight mats can easily move around on the floor, which is especially problematic if you’re practicing on an uneven surface like grass or sand.
can be uncomfortable on sensitive joints like knees and elbows
Additionally, these mats lack cushioning so they may cause more discomfort if you're working with sensitive joints, such as your knees or elbows.
may be more expensive
Lastly, they tend to be pricier than regular yoga mats due to their convenience and portability features.
CONCLUSION:
Overall, travel yoga mats offer great portability and convenience; however, potential buyers should be aware of the downsides before purchasing one.
If ultimate comfort is your goal, then you might want to stick with a traditional yoga mat.
But for those who need a more lightweight and portable option that can be easily stowed away when not in use, a travel yoga mat could be the perfect solution.
REVIEW - WHAT YOUR TRAVEL YOGA MAT COULD LOOK LIKE AFTER 10 YEARS: